If I were asked what the heart of my town of Cambridge, New York is, I would say it is right where Red is obediently sitting – he is a trained photo dog, I just point to the spot and say “photoshoot” and Red hops up and goes into his action pose, this dog loves the camera and understands his photographer pal. Hubbard Hall is the very old restored opera house which is now an arts and theater and community center (where I teach my short story class and have often done readings).

Right across the alley is the other center of the town, the Round House Cafe, and also the only graffiti I have ever seen in my town or my county, in the alley between the two. I wonder how many country towns of 2,000 people put on classy performances of Shakespeare that sell out. I must confess I have never quite gotten into Shakespeare, I know he is a genius, but I am going to see King Lear. We subscribe to Hubbard Hall. I am always trying to capture the heart of the town.